George, 73, who was suffering from cancer, died at his residence at Puthukad in the district.

He is survived by his wife Rita and two children.

George was admitted to a private hospital after his condition deteriorated a few days ago and discharged yesterday.

He handled the Agriculture portfolio in 1991. He entered the Kerala Assembly in 1965 from Ottapalam and won the Assembly elections from the same constituency in 1967 and 1970. After losing the elections in 1977 and 1982, he won the elections in 1987, 1991, 1996 and 2001.

Entering politics at a young age, he had served the Congress in different capacities. He had served as the Thrissur DCC President and KPCC General Secretary.

A staunch supporter of Veteran leader K Karunakaran, Mr George was writing an autobiography during his last days, which is yet to be finished.

Condoling the death of George, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Ramesh Chennithala said the party would observe mourning for three days. George was a leader who was loved by all party workers, he recalled.